Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
10306924 | Psychoneuroendocrinology | 2012 | 6 Pages |
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin has a popular reputation of being the 'love' hormone. Here we test meta-analytically whether experiments with intranasal administration of oxytocin provide support for the proposed effects of oxytocin. Three psychological effects were subjected to meta-analysis: facial emotion recognition (13 effect sizes, NÂ =Â 408), in-group trust (8 effect sizes, NÂ =Â 317), and out-group trust (10 effect sizes; NÂ =Â 505). We found that intranasal oxytocin administration enhances the recognition of facial expressions of emotions, and that it elevates the level of in-group trust. The hypothesis that out-group trust is significantly decreased in the oxytocin condition was not supported. It is concluded that a sniff of oxytocin can change emotion perception and behavior in trusting relationships.
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Authors
Marinus H. Van IJzendoorn, Marian J. Bakermans-Kranenburg,